Multiple antigen peptides (MAPs) as candidate vaccines against malaria
Pessi, A.; Bianchi, E.; Chiappinelli, L.; Bonelli, F.; Tougne, C.; Lambert, P.H.; Del Giudice, G.
Parassitologia 33(1): 79-84
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-2951 PMID: 1668679 Document Number: 371946
Multiple Antigen Peptides (MAPs), branched molecules where multiple copies of a desired antigenic sequence are assembled on a small peptide core, have been recently described as an alternative approach to the synthesis of high molecular weight immunogens. In comparison with conventional peptide-carrier conjugates, the MAPs show several advantages, including chemical unambiguity and ease of synthesis. A MAP based on the sequence of the repetitive domain of P. malariae sporozoites was immunogenic in a large number of mouse strains. When covalently linked to the corresponding sequence of the P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein, [NANP]40, the resulting conjugate showed the properties of a multivalent vaccine, overcoming the severe genetic restriction of the [NANP] sequence. A second generation of MAPs including both sequences, with more desirable chemical properties, was equally effective. These compounds represent a promising step towards the development of synthetic, multivalent peptide vaccines against human malaria.